Could the future of food farming be in space?

Forget about vertical farms, could the future of food farming be in outer-space?

Japanese researchers have taken a step towards making this a reality by growing cucumbers in space.

In a study published online by the New Phytologist Journal, researchers explained plant roots grow to find water, whilst they are also influenced by gravity and tend to grow downwards.

In growing the cucumbers in a space station, the researchers wanted to find out whether gravity or water had the greater influence on root growth. They ultimately found water had more of an influence in controlling root growth.

“We will be able to utilise roots’ ability to sense moisture gradients for controlling root growth orientation and efficiently growing plants in future space farms,” said Dr. Hideyuki Takahashi, senior author of the study said.